New Opel Astra J OPC

NEW Opel Astra J OPC – Most Powerful Astra Ever

·        Sporty high performance version of Astra GTC with two liter turbo engine

·         206 kW/280 hp, 400 Nm and top speed of 250 km/h

·         Exclusive performance chassis with limited slip differential and Brembo brakes

·         Lightweight high-performance bucket seats with prestigious “AGR” health seal.

 

The new Opel Astra J GTC is being given a sharper edge: at the Geneva motor show on March 6, 2012, its high performance OPC version (Opel Performance Center) has its world premiere. From spring 2012, the new car crowns Opel’s the racy compact coupé offer. The Astra OPC is powered by a 2.0 liter Direct Injection turbo gasoline engine, with 206 kW/280 hp output and maximum torque of 400 Nm. This power house ensures that the Astra OPC can reach a top speed of 250 km/h. Never before has an Astra been so fast.

The turbocharged four-cylinder engine ensures that the Astra OPC is now the most powerful member of Opel’s compact segment. Both the induction tract and the exhaust system were optimized to get the most out of the engine. The high-performance chassis was also adapted to the power plant. In line with the finest OPC traditions, the car was put through its paces and polished on the Northern Loop (“Nordschleife”) of the Nürburgring race track in Germany. All OPC cars are tested in the “Green Hell” – the nickname given by the British racing driver Jackie Stewart to this part of the track. Not just driving dynamics are pushed to the limit on the world famous race track. No OPC model can be sold to the customer without first passing a 10,000 kilometer endurance test on the Nürburgring. That is equivalent to 180,000 kilometers of driving in normal conditions. Under these extreme conditions the durability of new components can be guaranteed.

 

High Performance: FlexRide chassis, HiPerStruts and Brembo brakes 

The Astra OPC chassis is geared especially towards lateral dynamics and superb handling qualities. The high tech front-wheel suspension, HiPerStruts (High Performance Struts) of the Astra GTC is the decisive ingredient.

The standard mode puts the vehicle in a high comfort setting, while the special sport mode adds a notable extra in agility. The OPC setting places drivers in a third dimension: steering is more direct, the gas pedal speaks clearly and the chassis turns on to maximum handling.

However, the OPC model goes one major step further: it has been fitted with a mechanical limited slip differential on the front axle. This gives the OPC even more stability and better handling, in other words the car has more grip when exiting bends at high speeds – even in wet conditions. “We have devised a great package that will convince even the most experienced sports drivers – not just on the Nürburgring,” the motorsport legend, Joachim Winkelhock, explains. The high performance brake system on the front axle made by the prestigious manufacturer, Brembo, ensures good deceleration stats and maximum stability, even in moments of intense pressure.

Aggressive Design: High Performance Astra Flexes Its Muscles

 The exclusive body work of the Astra OPC is an expression of pure passion for power and speed. The Astra GTC with its racy edge has so far been the most emotional expression of Opel’s design language but the OPC version flexes its muscles. The OPC is given extra sportiness with a set of specially sculpted front and rear bumpers, side skirts, an aerodynamic roof spoiler and two exhaust tail pipes in a trapeze shape. 20” forged alloy wheels are available and give the Astra OPC a bold appearance.

High-tech Weight Saving Material in Seats

The interior of the new Astra has the typical OPC features such as a leather flat-bottom sports steering wheel with a 360 millimeter diameter and a sporty dashboard. The driver and his co-pilot will be able to benefit from a new high-performance bucket seat with stateof-the art technology that makes its debut in the compact sports coupe segment. The new front seats increase the sporty and dynamic driving experience while providing a lower seating position and enhanced side support.

 OPC engineers used an organic injection molded sheet in the performance seat shell, resulting in a weight saving of 45 percent compared to a conventional shell. The sheet is filled with a composite material of polyamide and fiber glass. The new high performance seat boasts up to 18 different settings. In addition, pneumatically adjustable cushions are available for the flanks of the performance seat. They fit around every body shape and give support from the side at the push of a button. Customers can choose from a fabric/morrocana combination and two other leather covers.

Opel is the first car manufacturer to offer high-performance seats certified by the independent healthy back experts, AGR (“Aktion Gesunder Rücken e.V.”), starting in 2003 with the Signum. The AGR only approves seats with its quality seal that meet its high ergonomic standards. In order to be honored with the AGR seal, the seat has to fulfill a list of ten criteria. They include four-way lordosis support and that the seatback contours adapt exactly to the natural curvature of the spine. The new Astra OPC continues this tradition and brings the only AGR certified seat to the compact sports coupé segment.

OPC: Performance and pure passion

The Opel Performance Center (OPC), responsible for the sporty accents in the Opel model line-up since 1999, is a decisive element in the brand’s profile. It embodies a high level of emotionality and passion for striking design, top-class technology and extraordinary driving dynamics. The vehicles with “OPC” in the model name are positioned as the emotional spearheads of the respective model lines. Current OPC models include the Corsa, 141 kW/192 hp (154 kW/210 hp as Nürburgring-Edition) as well as the Insignia OPC, which is available as a four or five-door sedan and Sports Tourer. The 2.8 liter V6 turbo gasoline engine (239 kW/325 hp) is the most powerful Opel production engine in history. For the “Unlimited” version of the Insignia OPC, maximum speed goes up to 270 km/h (depending on trim and transmission variant).

11. June 2012 UPDATE: Autoexpress UK wrote: ...this is the best VXR model that Vauxhall has ever produced – and a genuine contender for a place at the top of this class.

Read more at : http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/carreviews/firstdrives/284305/vauxhall_astra_vxr.html#ixzz1xiUhQyhj

New Opel’s ecoFlex LPG models

• Astra 5 door, Astra Sports Tourer, Meriva now available with 1.4 Turbo LPG engines
• Corsa 1.2 LPG on sale since summer 2011
• LPG debut of Zafira Tourer and Insignia in autumn 2012
• Up to 40% lower fuel costs and up to 15% lower emissions than comparable gasoline engines

1.4 Opel ECOTEC Turbo LPG Bi-Fuel engine

Opel is expanding and enhancing its Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) offer. The Astra 5 door hatchback, the Astra Sports Tourer and the Meriva can now be ordered with the new, powerful yet economical 1.4 Turbo LPG ecoFlex engine.

The engine that can operate in LPG and gasoline mode packs a punch and is available in two power versions: 103 kW/140hp with 200 Nm of torque in the Astra 5 door and Sports Tourer and 88 kW/120hp with 175 Nm in the Meriva. CO2 emissions of the Euro 5 certified engine in LPG mode are as low as 124 g/km for the Meriva, 129 g/km for the Astra 5 door and 132 g/km for the Astra Sports Tourer in the combined cycle.

Opel Astra Sports Tourer with LPG gas tank

The entry price for the Astra 5 door 1.4 Turbo LPG ecoFLEX is 22.670 Euro, for the Astra Sports Tourer LPG 23.770 and for the Meriva LPG version prices start at 22.240 Euro (all recommended retail prices in Germany, including VAT).

Their debut comes after the Corsa LPG 1.2 ecoFLEX 3 and 5 door models had their launch in June 2011, marking the start of the new generation of Opel LPG vehicles. The Corsa 1.2 LPG three door version delivers 61kW/83 hp in LPG mode yet only emits 110 g/km CO2.

In the autumn of 2012, Opel’s ecoFLEX spectrum will be further expanded when the 1.4 Turbo LPG ecoFLEX versions of the Zafira Tourer and the Insignia are released.

LPG is part of Opel’s portfolio of alternative propulsion systems that also includes CNG models (Compressed Natural Gas: Zafira 1.6 Turbo, Zafira Tourer 1.6 CNG Turbo and Combo 1.4 CNG Turbo) as well as electric vehicles such as the revolutionary Opel Ampera with range extender. The Ampera is the first electric vehicle that can go anywhere anytime and was just nominated as a finalist for the “Car of the Year 2012” award.

LPG owners can make fuel cost savings of up to 40%. In certain countries, such as Germany, there are significant tax incentives for LPG vehicle owners. LPG customers can expect up to 15% lower CO2 emissions in LPG mode than their gasoline counterparts. In addition, the new Euro 5 standard models, Opel offers a complete LPG solution ex works, ensuring that the LPG ecoFLEX models are delivered in high Opel quality and with the full manufacturer warranty. Since 2009, Opel has been producing LPG vehicles. Around 61,000 vehicles have been sold across Europe with around 80% in Italy alone.

Opel Corsa 1.2 LPG gas fueling

All Opel LPG models offer the full functionality of a gasoline engine combined with the specific advantages of LPG. That is because an LPG tank is installed in addition to a gasoline tank. This means LPG vehicles have considerably lower fuel bills and increased operating range: without range anxiety. For example, the total operating range of the Astra 5-door 1.4 Turbo LPG ecoFLEX featuring a 56 liter gasoline tank and a 49 liter LPG tank is more than 1,400 kilometers.

Environmentally friendly innovations

For its latest generation of LPG engines, Opel has carried out a significant optimization of the engine and LPG unit software so that both elements communicate better with one another. The engine can alternate easily between the LPG and the gasoline modes and adjust according to which type of fuel is being used. This means that the engine runs more efficiently and CO2 emissions are kept to a minimum.

Easy to use LPG switch

The Corsa, Astra and Meriva LPG models all feature a new, easy to reach Gasoline/LPG switch centrally located in the instrument panel, making the switch over between the LPG and gasoline mode easier than ever. Operation modes (LPG to gasoline and vice versa) are switched automatically or can be chosen manually. A light is illuminated inside the switch when the vehicle is in LPG mode. As soon as the car switches into gasoline usage the light is switched off. This innovation will also be offered in the Zafira Tourer and Insignia LPG variants for 2012.

LPG tank storage solution

Opel’s customized LPG system has a practical storage solution for the LPG gas. It has been optimally integrated in the spare-wheel housing. This ensures that the passenger and load compartments are spacious and are not restricted. Tire repair kits are offered as standard on board all LPG vehicles.

Opel’s current LPG ecoFLEX range

LPG ecoFLEX model	Fuel mode	Output (kW/hp)	Nm	Top speed km/h	Consumption (l/100 km)	CO2 emissions (g/km)
Astra 5 door 1.4 Turbo	LPG/Gasoline	103/140	200	200	7.9/6.0	129/141
Astra Sports Tourer 1.4 Turbo	LPG/Gasoline	103/140	200	200	8.1/6.1	132/144
Meriva 1.4 Turbo	LPG/Gasoline	88/120	175	187/188	7.6/6.2*	124/146
Corsa 1.2 3 door	LPG/Gasoline	61/83 vs.63/85	110/115	168/170	6.8/5.5	110/129
Corsa 1.2 5 door	LPG/Gasoline	61/83 vs.63/85	110/115	168/170	7.1 / 5.6	115/134

Opel Meriva MPV with LPG gas tank

Opel Meriva MPV LPG gas fueling

Opel Meriva MPV 1.4 Turbo LPG

Opel Insignia Model Year 2012

              

• Economical: 1.4 Turbo ecoFLEX 103 kW/140 hp thriftiest gasoline engine
• Ecological: Start/Stop system available for many engine variants
• Powerful: 2.0 Turbo with 185 kW/250 hp delivers 400 Nm of torque
• Added value: SD Card Navi 900 system, 2nd generation Front camera, Exclusive Nappa leather interior
• More Safety: Forward Collision Alert (FCA)  
   
  New gasoline engine with 103 kW/140 hp stands for fuel economy
  

  

  Opel Insignia 1.4 Turbo ECOTEC

  The newly developed 1.4 turbo ecoFLEX gasoline engine is the product of uncompromising “downsizing”. Together with with six-speed manual transmission, Start/Stop technology, power steering, aerodynamic underbody paneling and size 225/50 R 17 low rolling resistance tires, it is the most economical gasoline engine in the entire mid-size class segment. 

All together, these measures reduce the 1.4 turbo fuel consumption – compared with the previous 1.8-liter version, also with 103 kW/140 hp – by two liters in the sedan to 5.7 liters per 100 kilometers. CO₂ emissions are reduced by 45 grams to 134 grams per kilometer – in both cases a reduction of more than 25 percent. At the same time, the torque delivered by the most economical gasoline engine in its class was increased by almost 15 percent to 200 Nm.
With this performance potential the Insignia 1.4 turbo ecoFLEX can accelerate from zero to 100 km/h in just 10.9 seconds, reaching a maximum speed of 205 km/h. Opel’s top model is available with this propulsion variant as a sedan or as a Sports Tourer and – with 5.9 liters per 100 km and 139 g/km CO₂ – it also sets standards in the station wagon segment.

2.0 Turbo 4x4: More power and torque with reduced consumption

The two liter turbo with direct injection in combination with the state of the art 4x4 all wheel drive goes into the new model year with 30 hp higher output. It is available with six speed manual transmission or automatic transmission. Improved engine delivers 185 kW/250 hp and maximum torque of 400 Nm (previously 350 Nm). This powerful drivetrain with manual transmission can sprint from zero to 100 km/h in just 7.5 seconds. The top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h.
The 2 liter turbo unit is impressive proof that increased output and reduced fuel consumption can go hand in hand. Thanks to extensive measures like the Start/Stop system and low rolling resistance tires, Opel engineers were able to reduce fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions to 8.4 l/100 km and 197 g/km respectively (previously: 8.9 l/100 km, 209 g/km CO₂).
With this increase in power and torque and the even more dynamic characteristics – with simultaneous reduction in fuel consumption – the  Insignia 2.0 turbo 4x4 convinces with a top performance in the premium mid-size class segment.

Opel Start/Stop system with many engine variants

Not just the two units already mentioned benefit from the Opel Start/Stop system. The 162 kW/220 hp 2.0 turbo with front wheel drive and six speed manual transmission will soon be available with the intelligent fuel saving technology – including aerodynamic underbody paneling and rolling resistance optimized tires.

New Infotainment systems

Navi 900 - SD card

Opel Insignia cockpit with Navi 900

The new infotainment systems Navi 600 and Navi 900 Europa are far superior to the CD or DVD based predecessor versions in terms of the scope of features offered. All of the map material is stored on SD cards, and the maps can be adapted to suit individual customer needs. In addition to the default points of interest (POIs), further POIs can be downloaded and stored on the device. The driver can select single points and store these in the address book as individual POIs. Another practical feature: as well as the fastest and shortest routes, the navigation system also allows the selection of the most economical, i.e. lowest fuel consumption routes. The Navi 900 Europa system also offers a voice recognition and log book function – the latter with the option of separating private and business trips. An additional POI announcement informs the driver of points of interest in the direct proximity by audible signal, text or popup. As of the equipment variant “Edition”, an especially high quality Infinity sound system is also available.

Opel Front camera with additional functions

Improved Opel Eye Front Camera

Forward Colision Alert (FCA)

The Opel Insignia also offers further optimizations in the model year 2012 in terms of safety. The new Opel front camera, used for traffic sign recognition and lane departure warning to date, now also has the Following Distance Indication which constantly measures the distance to the car ahead in seconds. It is activated automatically from a speed of 40 km/h and helps the driver to avoid rear-end collisions and possible fines for tailgating. The Forward Collision Alert provides a visual signal on the instrument cluster and an audible alarm to warn the driver of an imminent collision with the car ahead. Additionally, the optionally available front camera in conjunction with AFL+ serves as a High Beam Assist.                                                          

Premium equipment: Exclusive Nappa leather “Indian Night” 

Opel Insignia - premium Nappa leather Indian Night interior

The model year 2012 Insignia also offers enhanced comfort and additional elegance. It is available on request with premium Nappa leather finish “Indian Night” which is distinguished by a combination of high-quality black leather with contrasting stitching in an elegant Cognac tone. The exterior look is refined by the new dark metallic lacquer “Luxor”, which, depending on the light, has blue-violet color reflections. The sporty, elegant silhouette of the Opel Insignia will be rounded off in the coming months by a selection of new alloy wheels with striking rim designs.

Opel Insignia in Luxor metallic color